Life Stories 2025-04-11 15:24:02

Mohamed Aziz: The 72-Year-Old Moroccan Bookseller Who Lived 4,000 Lives

Mohamed Aziz, a 72-year-old bookseller in Rabat, has lived 4,000 lives through books. Discover his inspiring story! ❤️📚

 

Meet Mohamed Aziz, a 72-year-old bookseller from Rabat, Morocco, whose passion for literature has made him one of the most photographed booksellers in the world. In a country where 26% of the population remains illiterate, Aziz’s dedication to his craft is more than a job—it’s a heartfelt mission. For him, selling books is an act of love for his city, for the written word, and for the transformative power of knowledge. His story, rooted in resilience and a lifelong devotion to stories, is as inspiring as the thousands of books that line his shelves.

Aziz’s journey began under the weight of hardship. Orphaned at six, he faced a childhood marked by struggle. He couldn’t finish high school—textbooks were a luxury his family couldn’t afford. But at 15, in 1963, he took his first step toward a brighter future, setting up as a bookseller with just nine books and a simple carpet under a tree. I can picture young Aziz, arranging his small collection with care, the Moroccan sun filtering through the leaves, his determination as sturdy as the tree above him. That humble start blossomed into a legacy—today, his bookstore brims with thousands of titles, a treasure trove for readers in Rabat.

Now, after more than 43 years in the same spot, Aziz is Rabat’s longest-serving bookseller. His days are steeped in stories—he reads for six to eight hours daily, pausing only to eat, pray, smoke, or assist customers. When he’s not at the shop, he’s scouring the streets of Rabat, hunting for more books to add to his ever-growing collection. For Aziz, books aren’t just objects; they’re his rebellion against the poverty and hardships of his youth. “I have read over 4,000 books in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish—so I have lived more than 4,000 lives,” he says with pride. “Everyone should have that chance! All I need are two pillows and a book to enjoy my day.”

What makes Aziz’s story even more remarkable is his trust in humanity. He leaves his books unattended outside, a rare practice for any vendor. When asked why, his response is as profound as it is simple: “Those who can’t read don’t steal books, and those who can—aren’t th!eves.” I can almost hear the quiet confidence in his voice, a testament to the faith he has in the community he’s served for decades.

Shared by its rightful storyteller, Mohamed Aziz’s life is a beacon of hope. In a world where access to education isn’t guaranteed, he’s spent over four decades ensuring others can access the worlds within books. His story reminds us that knowledge is a gift worth fighting for—and that one person’s passion can light the way for many.

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